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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

When You Don’t Want to Be a Burden { + a prayer journal giveaway}

Recently, I heard the replay of my conversation with Kathi Lipp on her podcast where we talked about asking for prayer and I wanted to invite you to join us! Welcome if you’re visiting from Kathi’s page. I’m so glad you’re here! I would love to pray for you today, and have us all pray for each other. I’m also giving away my new favorite prayer journal. Keep reading to find out more.

Asking for prayer

It was supposed to be a prayer request, but my email started out more like an apology. I needed friends to pray, yet I was hesitant to ask. I didn’t want my burdens to burden them.

They already had so many problems of their own: illnesses, a job loss, death of a loved one,  relationship strains, overwhelming stress, and overloaded schedules.

I questioned whether my need rated high enough on the urgency “Richter scale.”

Was it really bad enough to ask for prayer, or should I wait to see how things turned out?

The first sentence in my email went something like this: “I hate to add to your list of burdens, but I need prayer for JJ.”

A few years ago, my husband had a routine check-up and blood test results that caused his doctor to be concerned about his liver, which led to a biopsy that week. We didn’t know whether it would be anything serious in the end. I just knew I didn’t want to walk through it alone in fear, denial, or my own strength.

Within fifteen minutes of me hitting “send,” friends who were on their computers started telling me they were praying. And not only did they pray, they thanked me for sharing what was going on and for letting them be there for me.

One friend shared how someone she knew had been through a similar situation. Another asked questions and made some great suggestions. Then another cracked a funny joke that made me laugh, which I really needed to do!

The night before we went to the hospital, my friend Amy sent an email saying, “I’ve been lifting prayers heavenward for your family since your last email. Know that you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Let us know as soon as you hear results. We’re all in this with you, friend.”

As I read her last sentence, I could almost feel the softness of her hands gently squeeze my shoulders and hear her saying, “We’re all in this with you, friend.”

And then it hit me, what if I had not shared our need?

I would’ve missed the comfort of having friends “with me” and peace that came through the power of their prayers.

They would’ve missed out on a chance to be the “body of Christ” by guarding our hearts and minds with God’s promises and the power of prayer. And they would have missed being part of what God was doing, the joy that came when medical tests went well, and the recovery that was quick. And as we waited that week for biopsy results that ended up coming back normal, their prayers and God’s peace were constant companions.

Are you are carrying a burden today? Don’t listen to doubts that make you question the validity of your need. Even if, like me, you hate to impose on others.

Asking for prayer isn’t about putting burdens on our friends.
It’s about letting them walk by our side down a path we were
never intended to walk alone.

Lord, thank You for never seeing my prayers as a burden. Help me remember the power and purpose of prayer in my life and in my friendships. 

Let’s walk together and carry each other’s burdens this week by sharing a prayer request and praying for each other in the comments by clicking “Share Your Thoughts.” I’ll be praying for each of you! And would love if you could leave a short prayer for the person who shares their need in the comment above yours!!!


ComeToMe_CoverEnter to WIN
I’m giving away my favorite prayer journal! Leave a comment or prayer, you’ll be entered to win. 

Come to Me {journal} by Renee Swope
Jesus invites us to come to Him: to receive, rest, be renewed, and remain in His love. Experience the power of God’s presences and rejuvenate your soul with the living water of His word as you are reminded with the truth of who God is and who you are in Him.Filled with inspirational quotes and prayers, this journal will help you position your heart to receive God’s peace, plans, perspective and purpose for you each day. 6×8 Hardcover, 144 Pages

Order a journal for yourself, or a friend, by clicking the image below to order on Amazon! 

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Comments

  1. PRAYING FOR ALL WHO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS SITE AND THE AUTHOR OF THIS SITE. GOD BLESS EACH ONE WHO ENTERS. GOD IS ABLE!!!

  2. Letting others pray for us is another way to glorify God. They get to see His miraculous work and rejoice with you when the prayer is answered. I’m making my way through Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. Great book.
    I also need prayers for my son, David, who is also a pastor. He has been suffering with crippling fatigue and other symptoms. He gets the blood tests back today. I’m relying heavily on God because I have no faith in his doctors. (David plans on switching doctors) God gets us through it and is always faithful. Thanks.

  3. There are times that I don’t feel like sharing all that is going on in my life. Other times, it is the first place I turn. Thank you for the reminders!!
    I do not know about liver issues, but health is an issue for a lot of people.
    Please pray for my interview in the AM and for my marriage. Thank you!!

    • Rohit – There was a time when NG had huge traffic but rarely it had server problems except 2-3 days during ra one release but after changing the server it is as slow as turtle, getting error every nw n thn, why? This is the only blog tht has server problem so often tht members get pissed off n does that mean Rohit is deealeritbly intimidating helpless members to look out for other blogs? Just say it Rohit, just say it…

    • Pain and firming stopped within one [i]elavil and restless leg syndrome[/i] of filming 400mg, and i have oriented postictal of pedis for fascial months.VA:F [1.6.5_908]please wait…VA:F [1.6.5_908](from 0 votes)

    • I am so excited about this movie and actually tried to see it this weekend, but it's not out here yet! I would love to win this kit–love the pink phone–so perfect! Hope you had a great weekend Erika! I follow you on fb, twitter, your blog, and ig, haha!xo Mary Jo

    • Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, terrific blog!

    • Eu comecei agora a bloggar e acho que é difícil ao início, pois não há assunto nenhum e queremos sempre postar alguma coisa. Passo uma olhada nos meus feeds, se achar algum assunto interessante, talvez comente ou coisa parecida.É preciso é gostar do que se faz, mesmo que ninguém comente os artigos. E se há uma coisa boa, é quando nos comentam sem termos pedido! Comentam apenas e só pela qualidade do artigo ou do assunto do mesmo.Gostei bastante das dicas.Um abraço

  4. My prayer request is for the removal of pain that a previous job caused me, my family, and my friends. I have not been able to put it past me and the anger I feel is blocking me in many areas of my life. Lord, please deliver me from this despair.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  5. I need prayers for grandson, He has a mental problem. He doesn’t want to take his meds and gets angry. Was in dean’s office today. Could get out of school suspension if he doesn’t hang in there these last couple of days which could cause him to lose all his credits. It’s a no win cycle. He really gets frustrated and sees no reason to keep going which just makes things worse. Prayer is my only hope and can use all the prayer warriors we can get.

  6. Thank you Renee for sharing. I love your devotions. This one hit home as I am dealing with family issues with a sister that I am not sure how to handle. Its easy to not say anything because of what others might think. I needed this today. Praying good results for your husband and peace for your family. God Bless

  7. It seems like when it comes to asking for prayer, I feel the same as was mentioned in this article. I don’t want to burden others, or feel like my need is that important, but I’m totally missing it by that kind of thinking. We need each other in the body of Christ and esp. when life is becoming difficult and scarry. I count it a privilege to pray for others, but hesitant to ask for myself. I need to be more dependent on my Christian family to come along side of me. I have a strained relationship with a mother who betrayed me. I continue to seek forgiveness for her and ask God to please remove the hurt and heal the relationship. I know He is working, because I’ve made a commitment to contact her at least once a week just to honor her and hear her voice, in spite of not much change. God is changing me and I was on my knees this morning seeking the same requests from Him. He knows and hears.
    I want to ask God in His grace and mercy to sustain this sister who has serious cancer to keep her pain free and to let this season in her life draw her to God for strength for the day, but esp. for His salvation and assurance of Heaven when He calls her home. Thank you that she has a sister who is able to provide a safe place for her. Use this time to draw them closer together in the bond of your love, Father. Amen

  8. Thanks you for your comments on prayer
    I have felt the same about asking for prayer. We need each others support.

  9. I can’t begain to tell you how much I needed to hear this today. Your words are true blessing straight from God!
    Thank you and God Bless

  10. I am women’s ministry director and I am also a Public Safety Chaplain for our police and fire departments. It has been a full 3 days. 1. A police officer died, 2. a friend’s mom died and my sister is going through tests with the possibility of lymphoma. Pray for the police officers family and colleagues to seek the Lord, and for those who are Christ followers to demonstrate God’s grace, mercy and comfort to each other and to the officers family. The same would be great for my friend’s family whose faith-filled Mom is in the presence of Jesus. Also for my sister to deepen her trust and dependence on the Lord through this difficult journey of medical tests.

    • Dear Pat,

      I will lift you up towards God and his angels, asking them to bless and strengthen the Officer’s family, bless the family of your Mom’s friend, and strengthen your sister during her medical journey. Trust in Him; He will bring all of you through this very difficult time.

  12. Windy, I have prayed for your health as well as for Sabrina’s husband and Kim’s sister. It is such a privilege to be part of holding each other up. I would appreciate your prayers as I was arrested last fall for something I didn’t do. My ex is very vindictive and made accusations that got someone’s attention. I know that I will be free but in the meantime I need prayer for physical and emotional strength, my kids need prayer for peace in their hearts and the voluminous legal fees have tapped everything that we have. Thank you so much.

  13. I often think of this same thing, no way would someone pray for me, I am not worth it, my troubles are small and everyone is so busy. I belong to a women group and just forwarded your message to our leader, wondering how many of the needed prayers do not get asked for? I hoping that she will share it with the group. We all could use some help, prayers and support. Why not ask those close to you, that could really impact both of your lives.

    thank you for this message, I will be more willing to share a need now. bless you

    • Vicki, I pray that the women in your group will open their hearts to begin to pray even more for each of the other women in your group and through this process, a bond of friendship and love will develop and become stronger as it brings joy to each of your lives.

      • Renee, I’m the “leader” of prayer warrior women called “Sonshine Sisters” that Vicki wrote about… and I most definitely will be sharing your story with them. We all need wake up calls and this is one! I have challenged them to start their own Prayer Garden, where they can pray in quiet each day spending time with God (sort of like the “War Room” movie). We will pray for your husband and you, knowing that each prayer is heard by Jesus! God bless.

  15. Please pray God will show me where to say yes and where to say no (with out feeling so full of guilt). I have many things in my life that are time robbers and I tend to let these things take my time from being with the Lord away and then become frustrated. I need you to pray God will give me wisdom to know His will in my life. My husband and son need His salvation. <3 thank you <3

  16. My sister has stomach and pancreatic cancer. Please help me pray for her. She’s unable to work and has no husband nor children to help support her. I’m doing what I can, which unfortunately, isn’t much, but at least she has a place to stay during this trying time. Your prayers will be much appreciated.

    • Kim, I know she’s so grateful to have you. It may not seem like much but what you are doing through the power of your presence, your love, your prayers — it’s all a huge gift. You are being Jesus with skin on. Praying for her now and for you too!

    • So glad you’re here today Cheryl, and so encouraged that today’s post spoke to your heart. Praying for you to experience God’s power and presence today!

  18. i have prayed for your husband and would appreciate prayer too. i’ve had a urinary tract infection for 3 months and its not letting up. I’ve seen 3 doctors and am on my 4th round of meds. its hard to live life while continually feeling like you need to go to the bathroom. thank you to anyone who prays for me 🙂

    • Oh Windy, that’s got to be frustrating and painful. Praying for the right meds and for complete healing – for your body to respond and for your current doctor to know just what you need. In Jesus Name amen!!

  19. Thank you for sharing this. Learning to be vulnerable and let others back into my life has been challenging. But God is showing me to trust him.

    • It is a challenge Ellen, and I understand the vulnerability. Praying for a friend you can love through prayer and she can love you back as you take steps towards carrying each other in community through burdens and blessings you share!!

      • watching henry rollins in south africa (a fuckin white boy)he’s in “a township” there’s 900 hundrend black people living in shacks sharing 8 toilets and 2 water dipnsssore.and you want to rag on cindy mc….your seriously fucked up fieldshepard

      • Here are my ten top tips to tip the scales your way:CREATE YOUR OWN VIRTUAL REALITY.# EAT NUTRITIOUS WHOLE FOODS.# ELIMINATE HIGH GLYCEMIC FOODS.# DRINK PLENTY OF PURE LIQUIDS.# MOVE YOUR BODY. BUILD MUSCLE.# INCREASE HIGH FIBER FOODS.# CUT OUT BAD FATS, ADD GOOD ONES.# ENJOY DOING IT YOUR WAY.# HAVE A SIMPLE ORGANIZED PLAN.# FORGIVE YOURSELF AND MOVE ON.VA:F [1.9.20_1166]please wait…(1 vote cast)VA:F [1.9.20_1166](from 0 votes)

      • Girl you did so well! I also adooore the mini that you're wearing, and the crimplene one is also a fsvourite! Amazing haul today! Have fun tonight xox

      • Coronel,Muito apropriado o comentário “Faltam vassouras no plenário”.Penso que poderiam ser úteis também pra levar as insurretas a lugares compatíveis com suas teorias, como Cuba ou Venezuela, não é mesmo?Saudações esperançosasM. Rosa – S. Paulo-SP

      • If you think you might have coprolalia, the book of etiquette on the upper left shelf might help you with that. I love the way your socks are “negatives” of your blouse.Isn’t it the best when you “re-bond” with your bff?

      • Tu te contredis encore! C’est à ça qu’elle sert l’étape 2, mon Mart…Sinon, de quoi tu jases pour pas savoir que c’est une éco-freak? lol Si j’avais jasé avec ta Isabelle et qu’elle me parle que d’environnement et de recyclage, etc. Ben c’est un non à l’étape 2.Bref…Apprends à lire MONSIEUR JE SAIS TOUT! PS : On voit la paille dans l’oeil de son voisin mais pas la poutre dans le sien!

  20. My husband also has liver issues and we have walked through a lot of hard places over the last few years. He is doing good so far but there are times his liver disease rears its ugly head. I guess I never thought of asking others for prayer. I would pray, he would pray, and his mom would pray but that’s the extend of our requests. Thanks for a new perspective ?

    • hi, just wanted to let you know that i’ve prayed for your husband

    • Praying for you and your husband as you walk through this hard place together. We love praying for you!! Thank you for sharing with us!!

      • Thanks, we appreciate it. Ironically, he got a call from his specialist today with a consultation appointment for an ERCP (liver scope). On top of the unknowns, missed work means no pay. We are looking at one day this month and a few next month. 🙁